Sri Lanka was dealt another blow following the defeat in their World Cup opener against South Africa as they were fined for slow over-rate. Match Referee Javagal Srinath decided to impose a 10% fine as Sri Lanka failed to complete their 50 overs within the designated time.
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Sri Lanka fined for slow over-rate in their World Cup opener
The ICC rules state that all players will be fined five per cent of their match fee for every over they fail to bowl within the designated time. The Lankan Lions were deemed to be two overs short of time constraint by match referee Javagal Srinath.
“Javagal Srinath of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Dasun Shanaka’s side was ruled to be 2 over(s) short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.
“In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 5 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time,” ICC’s official media release clarified.
Sri Lanka have been fined 10 per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against South Africa
— CricWick (@CricWick) October 8, 2023
More here: https://t.co/z3japtTh2U#CWC23 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/hyDEr5iQvT
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka accepted the punishment and therefore no hearing was required to impose the sanction.
“Dasun Shanaka pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Shahid Saikat, third umpire Michael Gough and fourth umpire Alex Wharf leveled the charge.” the press release concluded.
Can Sri Lanka open their World Cup account against Pakistan?
Following their 102 runs defeat against South Africa, the Lankan Lions will face Pakistan who are coming off a win against Netherlands. Sri Lanka are without star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga altogether and they are also sweating over the fitness of Maheesh Theekshana.
The Lankan batters stepped up and put on a fight against South Africa, despite the huge margin of defeat. They will need to do even better against a formidable Pakistan pace bowling line-up if Sri Lanka are to get their first points in the World Cup.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka head-to-head stats and records ODI 2023
Apart from the fitness of Theekshana, the form of Matheesha Pathirana, who went for 95 runs in his 10 overs, is also a concern. He will need to step up against a Pakistan batting line-up coming to form at the right time.
A man coming to form at the right time is Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka, who scored a blistering 68 off 62 deliveries. The Lankan fans will be hoping for their finisher to fire at this crucial juncture.
Dasun Shanaka put up a valiant fight, scoring 68 runs off 62 balls! Unfortunately, he was dismissed by Maharaj. #LankanLions #CWC23 #SLvSA pic.twitter.com/w7emxF6DWL
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) October 7, 2023
The game is scheduled for 10th October and will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
